This was published 7 years ago
Readers' tip: Is Changi Airport really the world's best? Yes, actually
CHANGI ON TOP
Singapore's award-winning Changi Airport is recognised as the world's best. I thought the awards were because of cosmetic factors – like the shopping and dining, no loud boarding calls and queue free immigration – but during a personal drama, it was the customer-focused and caring people that impressed me most. I fainted at Changi and the staff were truly remarkable. I was taken in a wheelchair to the medical centre by a person named Lawrence who delivered me a complimentary breakfast and then stayed with me. He liaised with counter staff to get me and my husband on a later flight, personally escorted us to the boarding gate and even called me after the flight. I doubt many other airports would show such concern; Changi's No. 1 status is well deserved.
Laura Porter, Mosman, NSW
Trekking to the roof of Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro.Credit: iStock
CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN
When I said I was going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro the naysayers told me I would never make it. What great motivation – I made it – all 5882 metres of it. We're in our 70s, but my husband and I ski in Australia and overseas each year. The naysayers tell us we are crazy – we might fall and hurt ourselves. We use that as motivation to still ski the steep and the deep. A month trekking in Nepal: "Too hard for you, you will get sick, the food is terrible," the naysayers said. Yes, it was hard, the food was terrible but what an experience. Listen to your travel heart – not the naysayers. If you listen to the negatives you will miss so much.
Annette Riches, Mosman, NSW
SEEING RED
If travelling on an Amtrak train in the US, go to the Amtrak waiting room at the station and ask a Red Cap to help you. At Penn Station New York, the waiting room is sectioned off but is signposted with many Red Caps standing around. These men will find a good seat for you and load and store your luggage near you. They'll even board you before the general boarding call goes out.
This is a free service for all, including the disabled, seniors, families and larger groups. A small tip is appreciated and so worthwhile for a worry-free experience.
Katrina Avery, Fullerton Cove, NSW
HEY, TAXI
In any city, finding a good taxi driver is like discovering gold. We were extremely fortunate in Athens. Arriving at Piraeus, we had to take the next cab in the queue to our hotel and it was certainly our lucky day. For the week of our stay, Charis became our driver. He was knowledgeable, courteous and always punctual; he made our holiday so memorable. If you want to contact him, email Charis.Kosmas@georing.biz – you'll be in good hands.
Suzanne Lyon, Mount Waverley, VIC
PUT A PLUG IN IT
After years of travelling, I have learned to always take two different sized plugs with me in a soap bag, a couple of clothes pegs for closing curtains that don't meet in the middle and a headlight when the bedside lights are so dim you can't read by them. It's the little things that count.
Robyn Hansen, Pennant Hills, NSW
PROBLEM MAGNIFIED
How many of us have lost our expensive prescription reading glasses when travelling? My husband and I now take only the cheap magnifying reading glasses easily bought at a newsagency or pharmacy when we travel. Contrary to my initial beliefs, I've had it confirmed by two ophthalmologists that these inexpensive glasses do no harm whatsoever to our eyesight, whether one reads a menu or a lengthy book.
Ailene Strudwick, Mornington, Victoria
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